The word “bynahm” (بينهم) in Arabic Translates to “Between Them,” Explains nouf al delyigan, associate executive director for corporate at ministry at ministry of native of nomination Affairs, Based in King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
So when MNGHA Started Developing a new virtual reality-enabled application-designed in alignment with saudi arabia’s digital government strategy (2023-2030) Inpatients with their distanced loved ons, “bynahm” felt like the right name to choose for the app.
“The name reflects the app’s purpose of fostering communication ‘Between’ admitted patients and their families,” said al deligan. “It Emphasizes Connection and Bridging Physical Distance Through Technology.”
The app uses vr and 360-degree cameras to create a virtual environment where inpatients-especially that experience Where in-Person visits are restricted-can “meet” with family and friends, even when health safety demands that distance be kept. This offers Hospitalized Patients A Sense of Connection that’s Beneficial for their Mental and Physical Health and Cold Speed Recovery.
It also reduces disruptions for clinicians and other hospital medical staff, and lowers the risk of infection transmission for all involved, according to MNGHA, which notes that other positive outcomes Include Improved Patient Satisfaction, Enhanced Emotional Support and More Efficient Management of Hospital Staff and Resources.
We asked al deligan recently to offer some more insights on the bynahm app.
Q. Where did the idea for the app come from? How was it first conceived?
A. The idea for bynahm originated from a need to Maintenal Connections Between Patients and Their Families, Particularly in Cases Where Visiting Hours Was Wars WeGEMID-19) Families were geographically distant. Healthcare Administors and its teams recognized the mental and emotional benefits of keeping familyies connected, which Drove the app’s conception.
Q. Where did the idea for the app come from? How was it first conceived?
A. The idea for bynahm originated from a need to Maintenal Connections Between Patients and Their Families, Particularly in Cases Where Visiting Hours Was Wars WeGEMID-19) Families were geographically distant. Healthcare Administors and its teams recognized the mental and emotional benefits of keeping familyies connected, which Drove the app’s conception.
Q. What challenges was it designed to solve? What was some hurdles with communication?
A. The app was designed to address several key challenges:
The inability of family members to visit patients due to logistical or health reasons
A Lack of Structured and Secure Platforms for Hospital-Deased Patient-Family Communication
Ensuring the privacy and security of bot patient information and video calls
Hurdles in Communication Included:
Ensuring the app was simple for nurses and family members to use
Overcoming language barriers amon divese patient demographics
Training hospital staff to adopt a new process and Troubleshooting Potential Resistance
Q. Was virtual reality always planned to be a component? How does it help with the app’s efficacy? What was some challenges?
A. Virtual reality was not part of the initial concept but became a consideration as the project evolved. VR enhances the app by providing immersive family experiences, such as creating virtual environments where family members can feel “Present” presentes in a hospital ROM or A CALH PATINES In a Hospital ROM or A C. But there some calca challenges with vr:
High costs of vr equipment and infrastructure
Ensuring ease of use for patients and familyies unfamiliar with vr technology
Balancing vr integration with overcomplicating the core function
Q. What About Other Technologies? How do AI, Analytics and Automation Factor in?
A. Survey-based analytics [allow that] After Each Call Session, Users Receive a Survey to Provide feedback on their experience. This Data Helps Hospitals Analyze User Satisfaction, Identify Areas for Improvement, and Measure The App’s Impact on Patient Well-Being and Communication Effectiveness.
AI plays a key role in classifying and analyzing survey results. AI Can Categorize Responses Into Themes (EG, Satisfaction Levels, Technical Difability, or Emotional Impact) And Flag Critical Feedback Requiring immediative Attention. Over time, it can uncover trends to enhance the app’s effectiveness and user experience.
Automation streamlines the survey process by automatically sending surveys post-call and integrating results into dashboards or hospital systems for further analysis.
Q. How was the app first rolled out, and where? Has it seen successful uptake?
A. The app was the first piloted in hospitals that served regions with a high volume of patients unable to receive visitors regularly, such as DURIDID-19 Pandemic. It was introduced gradually to ensure staff training and workflow integration.
It was strong adoption, especially Among family members grateful for the emotional relieve it provided. Hospitals Reported Higher Patient Satisfaction Scores after the rollout.
Q. What was the early feedback from patients and other users? What do Patients and their Families Like Most About It?
A. Patients Loved Feeling more Connected to their Families, Reducing Loneliness and Anxiety during Hospital Stays. Families appreciated having a convenient, secure way to check in on their loved ons. The simplicity of the app’s interface and the seamless call experience was standout features.
Q. What About Operational Efficiency and Roi? How does it benefit hospitals?
A. Nurses Spend Less Time Coordinating Phone or Video Calls Manually, as the app streamlines the process. And the app enhances patient satisfaction, which improves hospital ratings and attracts more patients. Reducing stress and improvement emotional well-behind can also Shorten Recovery Times, Reducing Costs.
Q. How does the app Advance and Contribute to Saudi Arabia’s Digital Government Strategy (2023-2030)?
Bynahm aligns with vision 2030’s strategy by:
Promoting digital transformation in healthcare services
Enhancing Patient Experiences Using Innovative Technology
Supporting its goals of improved healthcare accessibility and patient-kept services
Q. Any plans to build upon or expand the app in future versions?
A. Future expansions may include AI-Powered Health Monitoring during Calls (EG, Tracking PATINET EXPRESSS for Signs of Distress) and Expanding to International Hospitals or Creating a Mobil Outpatient or home care usage.
Q. What was key lessons learned here? Do you have any advice for other healthcare organizations that might want to try something similar?
A. Some Lessons Learned: Keep the user interface simple for both patients and staff. Invest in Staff training to ensure smooth adoption. Anticipate Privacy Concerns and Address Them With Strong Security Measures
Advice? Start Small with a Pilot Program to Identify Challenges Early. Collect and act on user feedback to improve functionality. Make scalability a priority to Accommodate future expansion.
Mike miliard is executive editor of healthcare it news
Email the writer: mike.miliarard@himssmedia.com
Healthcare it news is a Himss publication.
